Blackboard Acquires X-Ray Analytics for Moodle

Blackboard has acquired X-Ray Analytics, a predictive analytics tool for
education, and plans to integrate it with its Moodlerooms and Moodle Enterprise
learning management systems (LMS), among other products.

X-Ray Analytics is designed to allow "instructors to support learners more efficiently by providing visualizations of past behavior and
performances at the course, cross-course and institutional levels," according to a news release. "It also empowers instructors through the
provision of statistically based predictions on likely future behaviors, academic outcomes and risk factors so they can engage with learners
in a way that is targeted to their actual activity. For example, instructors can step in when they see a potential area of risk and provide
greater support."

The cloud-based tool uses data already generated by the learning management systems and will be added to additional Blackboard platforms in
the future, according to information released by the company.

"Learning analytics is a strategic approach that institutions across the world are increasingly adopting to make more informed decisions
and take more effective actions to support learners," said Mark Strassman, senior vice president of industry and product management at
Blackboard, in a prepared statement. "X-Ray Analytics technology will provide insights and recommendations directly within the learning environment that have
statistical validity and levels of certainty that are not provided through standard reporting. We're thrilled to offer it to all of our open
source customers and meet their needs to improve learner success and retention."

About the Author

Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at jbolkan@gmail.com.

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